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Step up From Rogue RP-5

Hello, first time poster here. 
My system currently consists of Rogue Audio RP-5, Rogue MP-180 Monoblocks, denafrips Venus II DAC with Focal Sopra n2 speakers. That upgrade itch is there :)  I’m curious about the ARC LS28SE  also its big brother the 6SE in comparison. I like the price of the LS28SE more of course, but wonder what you give up from the 6SE. 
Love to hear your thoughts. 
Cheers!

 

robnpg
luxmancl38
580 posts
 

Luxman Cl38U C. Excellent all tube preamp. Also includes a three tube phono w/4 step up transformers.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,119 posts
 

I owned RP-5 paired with Stereo 100. Great amp but preamps (RP-1 and RP-5) didn’t impress me despite endless tube rolling.
I owned several ARC preamps in the past as well albeit not in the same system and not paired with ST100.
I’d go for Audio Research LS28 or Ref and eventually upgrade the M180 to the ARC as well. Rogue is great don’t get me wrong but Audio Research is Audio Research.

avanti1960
1,480 posts
 

what is your bujet? 

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,516 posts
 

@audphile1 Rogue is great don’t get me wrong but Audio Research is Audio Research

I've owned a couple of AR pre-amps. They have a place. Mostly for systems that play at high volumes, very flat sounding (flat as in good). I listen at low volumes and prefer a pre-amp with a little more flavor. 

robnpg OP
6 posts
 

Great question on the budget Avanti. I want to stay below $10k if possible. Additional challenge is that I used the built in Phono stage of the RP-5. That means I will have to budget a stage. The Zesto Deluxe was on my radar there, but I think that’s another $8k also. So right there I’m looking at potentially $18k.

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